Secret Woodlands bliss proved short-lived as the end of fall brought a heavy blow to the pack. Nina, the founder and matriarch of the pack is found dead at the heart of the Thicket, her years finally catching up to her. Burying her with her son and grandson, the pack mourns her loss heavily, struggling to find new purpose for the Woodlands with this cornerstone gone. Tragedy continues to haunt them, as less than a month later, Duckweed returns scared and alone from an excursion with his mother, relaying the terrible story of Belladonna’s murder. Aideen is distraught at the brutal loss of her good friend, so soon after her mentor, and things continue to worsen as Miccah is struck by a sever bout of pneumonia, forcing him to step down from leadership while he recovers; His mate now split three ways between caring for him, their children and the pack at large.

But life goes on regardless, the pups growing towards responsible yearlings, and Duckweed stepping up in Miccah’s place, despite his grief. Things grow quieter over the winter, a few new wolves join them, others disappear without a word. The final blow hits when Rayne too is found dead, having left the pack lands to pass quietly under the wild cherry trees. It’s another heavy loss for Aideen, and for a time she retreats into herself, focusing on her own health and budding pregnancy.

Things seem to lighten up as spring rolls around; Miccah recovers and takes back his throne, Duckweed electing to leave the pack for a time to nurse his grief on his own. Back together at the helm of their pack, the Athesila’s once again expand their family, and bring two more sons into the world at the start of May. Secret Woodlands now consist mainly of family members, but this leaves them stronger than ever, ready to take whatever life throws at them next.